One third of UK professionals suffer from depression or anxiety, and work is a key contributor

Company Profile

CV-Library.co.uk

Over a third (35.2%) of the nation’s workers are suffering from mental health issues, with four in 10 (42.9%) admitting that their job is a key contributor to these feelings. That’s according to the latest research from CV-Library, the UK’s leading independent job site.

As the post-Christmas blues set in and the cold days continue, the survey of 1,200 workers sought to reveal how mental health affects professionals this Blue Monday. The study found that for 70.6% of those that suffer, their depression or anxiety can sometimes have a negative effect on their working life, while a further 17.9% said it always negatively impacts their working life.

When asked what it is about their job that makes them feel this way, professionals cited the following as the top causes:

Doubting their abilities – 34.6%

Having a boring job - 26.6%

Not getting on with their boss – 22.6%

Working alone – 17.8%

Working with customers/clients – 17%

Furthermore, respondents revealed the negative impact that depression and anxiety has on their ability to do their job. For the majority (47.4%), it makes them dread going in to work. After this, 24.2% said it makes them feel tired, 8% said it causes them to take time off and 7.4% said it means they don’t really speak to their colleagues.

Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library comments on the findings: “While mental health is something we are beginning to talk more about across the UK, it’s clear that there’s still more that needs to be done to help those affected – especially in the workplace. It’s sad to learn that one in three UK professionals are suffering from depression and/or anxiety, and that this is having such a negative impact on their ability to do their job.”

Worryingly, over a third (37.7%) of professionals revealed that their employer does not do anything to help those that suffer from these mental health issues, and a further 38.4% said that they were unsure whether their boss would help them if they needed it. Other findings include:

The majority (88.4%) believe that employers should be given training to help them understand mental health

A third (32.7%) believe that organising regular one-to-one catch ups could help employersto support staff who are suffering

After this, 26.8% believe paid mental health days (time off) could help, and 19.8% said they’d appreciate professional help being offered through their employer

Biggins concludes:“It’s clear that professionals want more support from businesses when it comes to mental health. As an employer, it’s important that you have systems in place to help those who may be suffering. This can be a delicate issue for some, so it is vital you create a culture of trust and open communication so staff feel they can approach their managers or colleagues with any problems. This will begin to release the stigma around mental health, and help staff who may be struggling to cope with any problems, as well as their ability to do their job well.”